January 23, 2013

That’s how it works

There is a growing problem in Hong Kong with drivers of red taxis not being willing to cross the harbour.

I have been caught several times in Wan Chai, Tsing Yi and Mong Kok, not being able to get a taxi to take me to the other side.

Since when does a red taxi have the right to refuse to take someone across the harbour?

I have lived in Hong Kong for six years and I have noted that this problem has been getting worse in the last two years.

John Gye, Chai Wan

So… has he lived in Hong Kong for six years without discovering that there are some “cross-harbour” taxi ranks (both official and unofficial), and a few taxis driving around with an “out of service” sign to indicate that they are looking to cross back to the other side?

It’s true that some other taxi drivers will take you across the harbour if you ask, but it’s a long standing practice that most will not. Possibly they were more willing to do so when the economy wasn’t quite so good, but that’s a general problem - if the economy’s bad it’s easier to find a taxi.

And, yes, there should be a better system for this, but generally we have an excellent taxi service at very reasonable prices.